Real Madrid preparing to lose Jose Mourinho

French club Paris Saint-Germain has rejected Real Madrid’s bid for their current boss, Carlo Ancelotti. According to PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi, the Spanish club had contacted him to speak with the coach, a request he quickly denied.

“I told them: ‘If you want to have Carlo, you need to know that he has a year left on his contract, so please respect the contract,'” he was quoted by FoxSports.com. “”He apologised and told me he had thought Ancelotti’s contract was expiring but I told him that was wrong and that Carlo has another year with us. He told me they would take that into account.”

The claim makes clear Real Madrid have realised the small chance they have to retain Mourinho, as he’s all but confirmed reports he will be heading back to his former club, Chelsea. The relationship between Mourinho and the club has soured in the past few weeks, as an embarrassing exit from the Champions League by Borussia Dortmund was followed by a public falling out with club stars Iker Casillas and Pepe.

Current Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez and Spurs coach André Villas-Boas are favorites along with Ancelotti to take the job.